Getting your heating ready for winter: what should you check?

Getting your central heating ready for winter: 7 checks

1. Have your boiler serviced

Regular servicing helps keep your heating system safe and efficient. Make sure your boiler is checked by a qualified professional at the appropriate intervals. They can identify wear and potential problems before they lead to breakdowns. What’s more, servicing is a legal requirement for certain types of boiler. That way, you can head into the heating season with peace of mind.

2. Clean your radiators

Dust can affect how effectively your radiators release heat. Clean them with a dry microfibre cloth or a slightly damp cloth. Do you have convectors or fan-assisted radiators, such as the Radson Ulow E2? Check underneath for any build-up of dust too. You can easily remove it with a vacuum cleaner without taking off the grille.

3. Check your carbon monoxide detector

A properly functioning heating system is also a matter of safety. Make sure you test your carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Press the test button to check that it’s working. If it doesn’t respond, check the batteries. While you’re at it, make sure the detector hasn’t reached the end of its recommended service life. A CO detector doesn’t replace regular heating system maintenance, but it can help alert you to danger in time.

4. Check your boiler or heat pump

Before using your heating system regularly again, make sure your heat source is ready for winter.

• Boiler: Check the water pressure when the system is cold. If it’s below the recommended level, often around 1 to 1.5 bar, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to top it up.
• Heat pump: Make sure leaves, twigs and other debris aren’t blocking the air inlet or outlet. This helps your heat pump operate efficiently.
• Settings: Is your system still in summer mode? If necessary, switch it to winter mode so that the heating is enabled again.

Not sure about the correct settings or water pressure? Check the user manual or ask your installer for advice.

5. Set your thermostatic radiator valves correctly

Check the thermostatic radiator valves on your radiators and adjust them to the desired temperature. In rooms you use less often, a lower temperature is usually sufficient. However, turning the valves off completely isn’t always the best option, especially if you want to avoid damp or freezing problems. Adjust the settings to suit how each room is used.

6. Test your thermostat and heating controls

Temporarily set your room thermostat higher than the current room temperature. This lets you check whether the heating switches on. Also check that the controls respond correctly and that the rooms gradually begin to warm up. Let the system run for a little while to make sure everything is working as it should.

Does the heating fail to start? Check the settings first. If the problem persists, contact your installer.

7. Bleed your radiators if necessary

Are your radiators not heating up evenly? Or are they cold at the top while the rest of the radiator warms up? There may be air in the heating system, in which case your radiators may need bleeding.

Follow the instructions for your heating system and check the water pressure again afterwards. If a radiator is still cold after bleeding, there may be another issue. Ask your installer to investigate.

Getting your electric heating ready for winter: 8 checks

Do you use electric radiators as your main heating system or alongside your central heating? It’s worth checking these before the heating season starts too.

1. Switch off your electric radiator

Safety comes first. Switch off the electric radiator and unplug it if possible. If it’s still warm, wait until it has cooled down sufficiently before you start.

2. Check the space around your radiator

Make sure no objects have fallen behind or underneath the radiator and could interfere with its operation. Air needs to circulate freely, so avoid placing items against or on top of the appliance.

3. Remove dust from your electric radiator

Wipe away dust with a dry microfibre cloth or a slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning products and strong solvents, as these can damage the finish. If in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance instructions.

4. Check that the radiator is receiving power

Is the radiator clean, and is everything safe? Plug it back in if necessary and switch it on. Check that the display or indicator lights work as expected. This is a quick way to see whether the radiator is receiving power.

5. Test the thermostat on your electric heating

Temporarily set the thermostat two to three degrees above the current room temperature. This signals the radiator to produce heat. On electronic models, an indicator light or symbol may show that the radiator is heating. On other models, you should notice the radiator warming up after a while.

Is the radiator still cold? Check the settings and the fuse. If the fuse blows again or the circuit breaker repeatedly trips, don’t keep trying to switch the appliance back on. Ask an electrician to investigate the problem.

6. Set your desired temperature

Is your electric radiator working as it should? Set the thermostat back to your preferred temperature. Give the room enough time to warm up and adjust the setting if necessary. This helps you find a comfortable temperature that suits your daily routine.

7. Check the timer and weekly schedule

Many electric radiators have a timer or programmable thermostat. Check that the programmed times still match your daily routine. Would you like your bathroom to be warm in the morning or the heating to turn down automatically when you’re out? Adjust the schedule to suit your current habits.

8. Check your remote control and smart settings

Do you control your heating with a remote control, a home/away setting or a smart control system? Make sure the settings are still correct. Also check that your preferred temperature and any heating schedules are configured properly. This way, your home is heated when you need it, without having to adjust the settings constantly.

With these 15 checks, you can make sure your heating system is ready for the new heating season. Notice a fault or have doubts about how your system is working? Get it checked by a professional in good time. This helps reduce the risk of unexpected problems when the temperatures really start to drop.